Peer Pressure: What it is and How to Stop it (Essay Sample)

Definition of Peer Pressure, what it is, and how to stop it
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Definition of Peer Pressure, what it is, and how to stop it
Peer pressure is a psychological issue that has been affecting young people for generations. Its definitions differ depending on the context of its assessment and the types of relationships involved. Still, the best definition is the influence of people who live and work in one social group. Peer pressure can also be defined as the effect of other people in one social group on another individual that makes the individual conform to the beliefs and characteristics of the group. Most people think their peers are close friends who have lived and shared a similar social group for a long time, but peers can be strangers categorized in the same social group or social status; or individuals who can change how their peers think and behave. Also, some people believe that peer pressure should only be a negative thing. Still, it can also be a positive thing when a particular social group has good behavior and morals that positively impact their friends and group members. Changing social groups, counseling, and choosing different activities are strategies for managing the effects of negative peer pressure.
A weak personality is one cause of peer pressure, especially among young people. Individuals that lack strong personalities are the most susceptible to peer pressure since they are less likely to have the courage to make decisions and defend themselves. The lack of resolve causes them to follow a group of individuals they view as robust and influential, leading to peer pressure (Aronson et al., 2007). Social groups that promote harmful vices and morals can also point out individuals with weak personalities and use their influence within the social groups to lure the individuals